University of Memphis senior defensive end Martin Ifedi has been named to Athlon Sports’ preseason American Athletic Conference first-team. He was one of five Memphis players recognized by the preseason publication.

Memphis senior Joe Craig was recognized as a second-team specialist as a kickoff returner. Senior cornerback Bobby McCain was named to the third team on defense. Sophomore place kicker Jake Elliott and punt returner Keiwone Malone were third-team specialists.

Ifedi enters his senior season on the verge of setting the school record for quarterback sacks. He ranks second all-time at Memphis with 20 during his career, one shy of the school record. Last year Ifedi was named to the American Athletic Conference Team after leading Memphis’ defensive linemen in tackles, finishing with 52 stops including 14.5 for lost yardage (-73 yards) and 11.5 quarterback sacks (-62 yards).

In addition to catching 37 passes for 338 yards to lead Tiger receivers, Craig averaged 26.8 yards per kickoff return. For the year, he had 27 returns for 724 yards, the fourth-most yards in school history. Craig set a school record with 177 yards on six kickoff returns in the season finale at UConn. Among his returns against the Huskies was a 51-yarder.

McCain was NCAA FBS Football’s co-leader in interceptions per game with a 0.7 average. He had six interceptions for 108 return yards to go with 25 total tackles in an injury-shortened season (missed three games during the year). Harris led the Tigers in tackles for a second straight year in 2013, finishing with 74 total stops.

Elliott was a semifinalist for the 2013 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and was selected to the American Athletic Conference Post-Season Team, as selected by the league’s coaches. Elliott connected on 16-of-18 field goal attempts during his rookie season (.889) and made all 24 of his point-after tries to lead the Tigers with 72 points scored.

Malone ranked third on the Memphis team in receptions and receiving yards last year as a junior, catching 25 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown. He also had 25 punt returns for 159 yards during the year. Jakes ranked second on the squad with 71 total tackles and had 8.5 tackles for lost yardage and three quarterback sacks last year. He led the team with 48 solo stops.

Memphis opens the 2014 season Aug. 30th when the Tigers play host to Austin Peay.

Season tickets are currently on sale online at www.gotigersgo.com or by calling the athletic ticket office at (901) 678-2331 or (888) 867-UofM.